Digital Commons Network^™

Continuous Glucose Monitors To Decrease Hypoglycemia, Sara B. Woodcock

MSN Capstone Projects

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people from children to older adults. There is no cure, although it can be managed to prevent complications. Education of student nurses is where they are born and raised to become nurses who save and change lives. Teaching student nurses in depth about diabetes as a disease and the treatments that best fit their specific needs is where educating patients begins. Learning about a secondary option for blood glucose checks can make all the difference for several patients. Multiple finger sticks daily has been the leading way to check blood sugar for …

A Systematic Search And Review On The Efficacy, Safety, And Cost-Effectiveness Of Utilizing Lactobacillus Probiotics In Concurrence With Prescribing Antibiotics To Reduce Clostridium Difficile Infection Rates In Hospitalized Patients, Laura Sheehan

Nursing Masters Papers

Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection, (CDI) in patients receiving antibiotics is significant. In 2017, there were approximately 223,900 cases of CDI in hospitalized patients alone (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2017). Despite enhanced infection control measures, CDI rates remain prevalent and are associated with increased costs to healthcare. An integrative literature review and synthesis was performed. Studies were analyzed to delineate if Lactobacillus containing probiotics, when administered concurrently with high risk antibiotics, decrease CDI rates for patients in the inpatient hospital setting. Additional analysis of probiotic safety and a cost versus benefit analysis was researched. The purpose of the review …

Evaluation Of A Text Messaging Intervention For Breastfeeding Women Experiencing Breast And Nipple Symptoms, Rose Lisi

Honors Scholar Theses

Background: Nipple and breast pain while breastfeeding is a common reason why women stop breastfeeding earlier than they would have liked to. Texting is effective as a long-term intervention to support breastfeeding.

Objectives: To examine the effect of texting to support mothers to manage their breast and nipple symptoms and pain.

Method: A secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding self-management (BSM) intervention using texting to provide strategies for mothers to manage their breast and nipple pain. A three-group comparison, the intervention group with “barriers” and “non-barrier”, and the control group, was conducted …

Increasing Patient Adherence To Gestational Weight Gain Goals In Pregnancy, Annie Vining

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The inability to maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to multiple pregnancy-related complications. Nutritional education and support may improve nutrition and vitamin consumption, and recommendations for healthy gestational weight gains have been published. However, pregnant women have reported minimal advice regarding healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A personalized, nutritional counseling program was initiated in a Midwestern, suburban OB-GYN private practice.

Methods: A quality improvement descriptive, correlational design was used. A cohort of pregnant women first trimester through six-weeks postpartum received individual counseling and face-to-face interaction at an office visit each trimester.

Results: Twenty ( …

Nurs 360: Are Preterm Infants Who Have Been Breastfed At An Increased Risk For Undernutrition Compared With Full-Term Infants Who Are Breastfed Without Complications?, Molly Mancini, Shannon Lyons

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Babies born prematurely can experience a variety of health issues. Preterm babies can develop “breathing problems, developmental delays, and vision problems” (“Preterm Birth”, 2019). On top of these issues, babies can also experience feeding difficulties. Premature babies have more problems latching which can lead to them ingesting an inadequate amount of nutrients. As a result, the baby can lack the essential vitamins and minerals needed to grow and thrive. The purpose of this research study was to explore the effects of being preterm on the ability to breastfeed and the risk of developing malnutrition compared to full-term babies. This research …

Nurses Improving Nutrition Group Attendance Through Rn Invitations, Shelly Johnson, Susanna Mitchell

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Background: Gestational diabetes (GDM), a common pregnancy complication, increases the risk of dangerous birth outcomes, fetal anomalies, and sustained disease and comorbidity for mothers and infants throughout the lifespan. Insulin use is an independent predictor of anomalies. Our prenatal care did not include detailed nutrition assessments and modifications such as Mediterranean diet, a lifestyle associated with reduction in non-pregnant adult diabetes incidence, even reversal. Adding hands-on cooking to nutrition counseling has improved A1c outcomes. We hypothesized a comprehensive package of diet review, nutrition guidelines, and participation in an onsite cooking class initiated at the beginning of prenatal care (Green …

Prevent The Preventable: Children With Hypertension Due To High-Sodium Diets., Shana M. Cobb

MSN Capstone Projects

Heart disease in the United States is the number one cause of death and costs $317 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control, [CDCa], 2018). Heart disease is usually considered an adult disease, but today we are finding that more children are developing symptoms of high blood pressure and sodium consumption is the link (Webb, 2017). Health care spending for hypertension is at an all-time high and is expected to triple over the next 20 years (Bussenius, Zeck, Williams, & Haynes-Ferere, 2018). The American Heart Association (AHA) states if sodium consumption was decreased to around 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day, blood …

“Save My Baby”: The Lived Experience Of Hospitalized Pregnant Women With A Threat Of Preterm Birth, Dua' Yousef Al-Maharma, Inaam A. Khalaf, Fathieh Abu-Moghli, Sajeda Alhamory

The Qualitative Report

Activity restriction in hospital to prevent preterm birth (PTB) is widely used as the first step of treatment. It is associated with adverse physiological and psychological effects on maternal and fetal health that might persist years after birth. A sample of 10 pregnant women who were hospitalized for being at risk for PTB were purposively recruited to describe their lived experience via semi-structured in-depth interview. Five themes were identified, the maternal role establishment and suspending responsibilities, the women's perception of fear of uncertainty and finding support, dissatisfaction of care, the change of routine life and family relationships, and the cultural …

Community Cooking Course To Combat Nutritional Knowledge Deficit, Heather R. Bohman

MSN Capstone Projects

More than two-thirds of American adults and almost one-third of American children are overweight or obese. Not only are the statistics alarming, the cost of obesity is staggering. Obesity robs an individual of their quality of life and costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $147 billion a year in obesity-related illness (Finkelstein, Trogdon, Cohen, & Dietz, 2009). The need to find solutions to improve the health of Americans is clear and communities are called to respond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018) recommends partnership with local agencies to promote obesity prevention initiatives and create a healthier …

Effect Of Lifestyle Modifications On Blood Pressure And Bmi In Overweight Or Obese Adults With Primary Hypertension, Mariska Vandenbergh

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension (HTN) and obesity contribute to poor cardiovascular outcomes which can be managed with diet and exercise lifestyle changes. In addition, self-awareness (SA) of eating patterns can be a useful tool to promote adherence to lifestyle changes. The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of lifestyle education, the DASH diet, and tools to increase SA for adult clinic patients who were overweight with hypertension. The REAP and PIH tools were utilized to increase patients’ SA of their diagnosis and current dietary habits. A literature search over five databases was conducted and analyzed thoroughly. National guidelines strongly recommend …

Consistency Of The Determinants Of Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding In Ghana: Insights From Four Demographic And Health Survey Datasets, Precious Adade Duodu, Henry Ofori Duah, Veronica Millicent Dzomeku, Adwoa B. Boamah Mensah, Josephine Aboagye Mensah, Ernest Darkwah, Pascal Agbadi

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a key strategy in averting neonatal deaths. However, studies on the facilitators and risk factors for EIBF are rare in Ghana. We examined trends in EIBF and its major facilitators and risk factors in Ghana using data from Demographic and Health Surveys from 1998 to 2014.

Methods

We used complete weighted data of 3194, 3639, 2909 and 5695 pairs of mothers ages 15–49 y and their children ages 0–5 y in the 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2014 surveys, respectively. We accounted for the complex sampling used in the surveys for both descriptive statistics …

Reducing Pressure Injuries In The Intensive Care Setting: Nursing Knowledge And Best Practices Approach, Michelle Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: For many health care organizations, pressure injury (PI) prevention strategies have become a priority focus to improve patient outcomes and associated costs.

Problem: A rural community hospital located in the Eastern U.S. experienced an increase in hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), predominantly in the intensive care unit (ICU). In 2018, 17.4% of HAPIs occurred in the ICU.

Approach: Implementation of a Quality Improvement project in an adult ICU, providing education and on-going learning activities to nursing staff, and applying a standardized plan of care “bundle” for prevention interventions.

Outcomes: The approach resulted in improved documentation of flotation of heels, …

Abstracts From The 26th Annual Health Care Systems Research Network Conference, April 8–10, 2020

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) is made up of community-based care delivery systems with a shared mission to improve health and health care through research. The network’s annual conference serves as a forum for attendees to disseminate study findings, stimulate collaborations, and share insights about conducting research in real-world care settings. Although this year’s live conference was cancelled to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the oral and poster abstracts accepted for presentation at HCSRN 2020 are published in this open access supplement to Volume 7, Issue 1 of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the …

Therapeutic Approach For Amyand’S Hernia; A Case Report, Sorin Berbece, Valeriu Ardeleanu, Vlad Denis Constantin, Ioana Paunica, Alexandra Toma

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

In very few cases stated in the literature, the vermiform appendix might be contained in a hernial sac. This distinctive pathology is described as Amyand's hernia and has the very small occurrence of about 1%. We report the case of a 62-year-old man that presented for a reducible tumoral mass located in the right inguinal region. Amyand’s hernia was the intraoperative diagnostic. We performed hernioplasty (using the Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair with a composite polypropylene mesh) without appendectomy. This case matches the type 1 Lossanoff and Basson’s classification and has no facile management. Due to the clinical specificities of each …

Promoting Newborn Skin-To-Skin Contact To Increase Breastfeeding Initiation And Exclusivity In Cesarean Deliveries, Eunide L. Joseph

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Background: Literature has documented when a mother elects to breastfeed, she offers herself and her baby with many short and long-term wellness and health benefits. Therefore, maternal child healthcare providers should be prompted to scale up breastfeeding practices that promote lactation. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is underutilized, yet a cost-effective incentive to promote successful breastfeeding. Traditional postnatal assessments lead to the precipitous disconnect of the mother-baby dyad resulting in delayed SSC and breastfeeding initiation. In addition, practical barriers and delivery complications familiar to cesarean sections, postpones the start of breastfeeding in this birthing method which unfavorably impacts exclusivity. In such instances, …

Humna Elahi's Portfolio, Humna Elahi

Honors College Portfolios

As a student in the four-year Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program, you are immersed in an education beyond the vital scientific facts and nursing skills. Throughout the undergraduate studies, one is challenged to rise to the skills of thorough assessments, critical thinking, and evaluations. Not only are you prepared for the clinical setting, you are given the tools to go above and beyond with your career. Your time and efforts as a nursing student creates a pathway to success and leadership.

A major goal in nursing is to practice cultural competence and provide holistic care to those …

Gw Nursing, Spring 2020, George Washington University, School Of Nursing

GW Nursing Magazine

No abstract provided.

Relief Of Procedural Pain In Infants And Neonates, Allye Camden

The University Honors Program

Procedural pain occurs in the hospital setting due to a variety of procedures and treatments conducted throughout a patient’s stay. Pain is often assessed in infants and neonates but is not always treated consistently due to the multiple number of pain relief methods. The objective of this literature review is to identify the most effective interventions to relieve procedural pain in infants and neonates. Forty articles were analyzed and synthesized to determine the best pain relief methods to use when providing nursing care to infants and neonates. Based on the results of the literature review, nutritive sucking, positioning techniques, and …

Study Of Satisfaction Of Inpatient Discharge Based On Nurses’ Perceptions, Hong Lin

Dissertations and Theses

Patient satisfaction plays an important role in providing quality health care, and discharge satisfaction is part of overall patient satisfaction since it reveals how patients feel about their stay. In this paper, we evaluated inpatient discharge satisfaction based on nurses’ perceptions. An anonymous survey was used to evaluate how satisfied the patients were when being discharged from the acute care hospital with survey questions answered by nurses who work on medical-surgical floors. Data was collected from the questionnaires and analyzed using Excel.

The Effects Of Diabetes Self-Care Management Education Paired With Behavior Change Support Program Using Mobile Technology In Improving Disease Knowledge, Self-Care Activities, And Health Outcomes In Adult Type Ii Diabetes, Ji Min Msn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Research has shown that Diabetes Self-care Management Education (DSME) paired with the Behavioral Changes Support Program using Mobile Technology (BCSP-MT) has improved patient outcomes by promoting self-care activities. Yet, not many primary practices provide BCSP-MT to improve diabetes care.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of DSME paired with BCSP-MT in adult type 2 diabetes patients to improve diabetes knowledge, self-care practices, and diabetes control in a primary care setting.

Methods: In this quality improvement project, a 3-months, one-arm, pre-post pilot study was conducted in a clinic, the Northeastern U.S. A convenient sample of 14 people with …

Preterm Babies Risk For Malnutrition, Shannon Lyons, Molly Mancini

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Babies born prematurely can experience a variety of health issues. Preterm babies can develop “breathing problems, developmental delays, and vision problems” (“Preterm Birth”, 2019). On top of these issues, babies can also experience feeding difficulties. The purpose of this research study was to explore the effects of being preterm has on the ability to feed and risk of developing malnutrition compared to full-term babies. We will observe various studies on this, along with our own clinical experiences.

Edukimi I Pacienteve Për Vetë Menaxhimin E Hipertensionit Në Komunën E Pejës, Fellona Gjukaj

Theses and Dissertations

Hyrje: Shtypja e gjakut është shtypja apo forca e gjakut brenda murit të arterieve. Shtypja mesatare e gjakut është 90/60-120/80 mmHg. Shtypja prodhohet kryesisht nga tkurrja e muskulit të zemrës.Ngritja e vazhdueshme e shtypjes së gjakut quhet hipertension. Hipertensioni mund të karakterizohet në dy lloje: hipertensioni primar dhe sekondar. Më shumë se 95% e pacientëve kanë hipertension primar, ndërsa më pak se 5% e pacientëve kanë hipertension sekondar

Qëllimi i punimit: Qëllimi i punimit ishte të vlerësohet edukimi i pacientëve spitalor dhe ambulator me hipertension nga mjekët dhe infermierët në spitalin e përgjithshëm në Pejë.

Metodologjia: Të dhënat janë mbledhur …

Stomat Kirurgjike Tek Të Ushqyerit Enteral Dhe Roli I Infermierit/Es, Donjeta Avdiu

Theses and Dissertations

Qëllimi i këtij punimi është që të mësohet më tepër për të ushqyerit enteral, cilat janë sëmundjet më të shpeshta ku është i nevojshëm ushqimi enteral, mënyrën se si mirret, si dhe moshat më të prekura, ndikimet pozitive apo negative që shkakton.

Metodologjia– Studimi analizon të dhëna në mënyrë retrospektive pacientët gjatë vitit 2019 të cilët kanë qenë të trajtuar në Klinikën e Anesteziologjise në repartin e Intensivës Qendrore, Qendrën Klinike Universitare të Kosovës (QKUK), Prishtinë.

Rezultatet – Të dhënat na tregojnë se numri më i madh i pacientëve me të ushqyerit enteral janë meshkuj (220) 58% dhe femra …

Planting The Seeds Of Health And Resilience, Shawna Beese, Teresa Bigand, Marian L. Wilson

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Purpose/Aims:

Our primary aim was to investigate whether gardens were a source of nutrition for the food bank users we sampled, and whether food bank recipients would be interested in using gardens as a nutritional resource.

Rationale/Background:

Food bank users represent an important population to explore the benefits of garden access for because they are at risk for insufficient access to fresh nutrient dense foods, may benefit from a low cost alternative sources of food, and they experience higher incidence of food insecurity. The activity of gardening also provides a myriad of secondary health benefits such as elevating mood, easing …

Implementation Of A Heart Failure Discharge Guide And Its Effects On Patient Self-Care, Nickelow Carlton

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic progressive disease that, if not managed adequately, may result in complications including rapid disease progression, frequent hospitalization, and early death. The prevalence of HF related deaths in Muscogee County, Georgia is the highest of all counties in Georgia. Additionally, Georgia is a state with one of the highest prevalence of heart- related diseases in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2016). The purpose of this translational project was to identify a standard HF discharge guide to implement on admission and determine if implementation increased self-care in HF patients after discharge. Self-care management …

Relief Of Procedural Pain In Infants And Neonates, Allye Camden

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

Procedural pain occurs in the hospital setting due to a variety of procedures and treatments conducted throughout a patient’s stay. Pain is often assessed in infants and neonates but is not always treated consistently due to the multiple number of pain relief methods. The objective of this literature review is to identify the most effective interventions to relieve procedural pain in infants and neonates. Forty articles were analyzed and synthesized to determine the best pain relief methods to use when providing nursing care to infants and neonates. Based on the results of the literature review, nutritive sucking, positioning techniques, and …

Multidisciplinary Team Approach To Prevent Hf Readmissions In Rural Areas, Naydu Lucas, Rn, Msn, Mba

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Despite the national efforts to decrease 30-days hospital readmissions, readmission remains a challenge for healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. The aim of this quality improve project was to develop and implement a multidisciplinary team approach to provide education to patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure (CHF) to improve 30-day hospital readmissions.

Method: This project was conducted in a critical access hospital in Northeast Washington. Using a pre-post design, we evaluated the 30-day readmission before and after implementing the multidisciplinary education program for patients hospitalized with CHF. The education focused on disease management, discharge education, pharmacy consult and …

Combating Pediatric Obesity With A Community-Based, Family-Centered Pediatric Obesity Prevention Program, Hillary Mayers, Msn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Overweight and obesity among children contributes to significant adverse health outcomes that reduce quality of life. Because children are influenced by the behaviors of their parents, there is a need for multicomponent family-based interventions within the community to help overcome these issues.

Objectives: This quality improvement project provided parents and children aged four to six years old with an interactive nutrition and physical activity educational program to increase their knowledge related to healthy lifestyle patterns and alter BMI status.

Methods: A 10-week pre/posttest design was implemented to evaluate outcome measures including BMI percentile, physical activity and nutritional habits, and …

A Systems Perspective For Integrating A Community-Based, Family-Centered Nutrition And Exercise Program Into A Preexisiting Physical Extracurricular Activity, Chayna Hardy-Taylor, Msn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Childhood obesity continues to be a problem in urban areas despite an understanding of the causes and consequences. It is essential to develop ways to reduce childhood obesity from a systems perspective, addressing the multifaceted elements that contribute to it.

Objectives: This project aimed to implement and evaluate a community-based, family-centered nutrition and exercise program to improve health outcomes and long-term complications related to childhood obesity in a New Jersey city.

Methods: A 12-week nutrition and exercise program based on materials from Let’s Go 5210 was provided for children age 8-13 enrolled in a community organization dance class. Participants …

Mitigating Delirium For The Elderly Post-Operatively Without Medication, Ann Lo Basso

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Often occurring after surgery, or hospitalization, the development of delirium in older adults, initiates a cascade of events culminating in loss of independence, increased morbidity and mortality, and high health care costs (Oh, et al., 2017).

Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to adapt and implement best practices using HELP for managing older patients with postoperative delirium through the existing 1:1 observation structure and implementing cognitive care strategies. The 1:1 sitter roles and responsibilities were redesigned to include non-pharmacological, multicomponent interventions.

Methods: The QI project used a pre-test post-test intervention design comparing groups before and …